Pat Rice Awarded MBE

Ex Arsenal player, captain, youth team manager, reserve team manager and assistant manager Pat Rice has been awarded with an MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours List. Rice retired in May, ending an association with the club that spanned close to half a century.

The Belfast born Rice has won the F.A. Cup twice and the League Championship once with the club as a player along with 49 caps for Northern Ireland, bagged two F.A. Youth Cups as Youth Team manager, his Youth side of the mid 80s set the bedrock of Graham's early title successes by nurturing players such as David Rocastle, Tony Adams, Paul Merson and Michael Thomas. He also won four F.A. Cups and three league titles as an assistant manager. He shares the distinction with Bob Wilson as having been involved in all three of Arsenal's domestic doubles.

Rice retired as assistant manager in May to be succeeded by Steve Bould. Rice reacted to the news with delight, 'I`m delighted and honoured to be receiving an MBE. The news of the award came as a complete surprise and I`m just so flattered to be included in the Queen`s New Year`s Honours List.

"Football and Arsenal have been my life and I have so many fantastic memories during my career. I have been lucky to have played and worked with so many great individuals, and through hard work I have enjoyed some success along the way.

"It has been a privilege to have represented Arsenal Football Club for more than forty years, a great club with great values. I am also proud to have represented my country on many occasions, and also a special mention to Watford Football Club, who I enjoyed a short spell with as well.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me throughout my career, and importantly, a special thank you to all my family, who have always been there for me and supported me throughout my career."

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